With the theme “Mapping through Space Technology,” NAMRIA celebrated its 31st anniversary at the agency’s covered court on 29 June 2018. The day started with a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Lauro Graciano A. Ramos III.

The branch host for this year is the Mapping and Geodesy Branch (MGB). In his opening remarks, MGB Director Ruel DM. Belen welcomed all the employees and guests and shared the importance of space technology in mapping and surveying, particularly in the establishment of a nation-wide geodetic control network using satellite-based positioning technology, such as the global positioning system or GPS.

MGB Director Belen gives his opening remarks.

NAMRIA Administrator, Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, in his anniversary message, highlighted the recent achievements and contributions of the agency to the nation and to the world. He also congratulated the officials and employees of the agency for the great advances in work processes, particularly in mapping and geodetic and hydrographic surveying. He further stressed that these advances made NAMRIA at par with the different mapping agencies of the world. This is because the agency recognized, early on, the potential of space technology applications in providing much needed geospatial information in the fields of natural resource inventory, mapping and assessment, disaster risk reduction and management, as well as in overall development planning activities.

NAMRIA Administrator Tiangco delivers his anniversary message

In behalf of DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, Undersecretary for Attached Agencies Sherwin S. Rigor, commended the agency for its efforts in the rehabilitation of the island of Boracay. He reported that the agency’s geographical data were used in the recovery of forestlands, wetlands, and other lands that are not to be disposed of; and as basis for the demolition of illegal structures. Further, he also took cognizance and appreciated the talents of some of the employees in their intermission numbers.

The NAMRIA retirees given government service awards were Captains Amante R. Caluya and Ralph A. Justo, Jaime B. De Guzman, and Remegio I. Reyes of HB; Manuel C. Eloriaga and Jaime R. Santos of MGB; Reynaldo M. Ganacias of RDAB; and Evelyn S. Giron and Virginia B. Bellen of SSB. Other awards given were: 5S Award – Geospatial System Development Division-GISMB and BRP Hydrographer Presbitero-HB; Career and Self-Development Award – Jeff N. Hunt of GISMB; and Lt. Stephanie M. Bautista of HB; Client Service Award – GISMB and MGB Client Service Units; and Sportsfest 2018 Overall Champion - SSB. Special recognition awards were also given to Engr. Ronaldo C. Gatchalian of MGB and Forester Cristina M. Montoya of RDAB for publishing articles in Coordinates and Sylvatrop, respectively; the officers and crew of BRP Hydrographer Hizon for the search and location of the sunken vessel MV Starlite Atlantic and those of BRP Hydrographer Presbitero for their participation in a special project for the West Philippine Sea.

NAMRIA's Best Employees for 2017 pose for a picture with the agency’s top officials.

There were also branch presentations and the competition for the Best in Superhero Costume during this year’s anniversary celebration. MGB won the first place with their Justice League-inspired presentation. Other winners were SSB and RDAB in second and third place, respectively. The Best in Superhero Costume winners were Ian Kim E. Alvarez of GISMB, Iron Man, first place and John Methosael T. Briones of MGB, Aquaman, second place. Cash raffles were also held during the program. The NAMRIA Chorale rendered classical songs while selected MGB senior staff and employees gave a dance intermission number. MGB Engineers Gatchalian, Roger G. De Luna, Charisma Victoria DC. Cayapan, and Hennessy R. Marohom served as program hosts.

MGB dancers demonstrate one of their winning moves.

The Best in Superhero Costume winners strike a pose: (from left to right) first place,